Candice Osika

2026 Recipient

Principal / Quality Assurance Coordinator, Shiawassee RESD

2026 Award Presentation Tribute

For nearly two decades, Candice Osika has demonstrated unwavering dedication to students with disabilities, their families, and the educators who serve them. Serving in both building leadership and countywide quality assurance roles, her influence stretches far beyond a single program or school—impacting classrooms, staff, districts, and colleagues across Michigan.

Under her guidance, programs have flourished through cultures rooted in collaboration, trust, and continuous growth. Recognizing the importance of supporting early-career teachers, she established professional learning communities that strengthened instructional practice, built capacity, and improved the quality of IEP development for students.

Her leadership extends statewide through active involvement in MAASE. Facilitating monthly meetings for a key community of practice, planning statewide conferences, and creating opportunities for administrators to collaborate, her work has strengthened networks across Michigan and elevated supports for students with complex needs.

What truly distinguishes Candice is how she leads. Honesty defines her approach—communicating clearly and directly with staff, families, and colleagues, while never hesitating to respectfully challenge assumptions when it leads to better decisions for students. Her integrity is equally evident in her steady, ethical, and objective approach to complex situations, earning the deep respect of all those she serves.

Candice is the kind of leader who shows up whenever she is needed—filling in for colleagues, mentoring staff, leading trainings, and creating inclusive athletic opportunities that bring students with and without disabilities together as teammates. She gives her time freely and wholeheartedly, driven by a deep belief that students deserve our very best.

Her leadership, honesty, integrity, and dedication reflect the very qualities Murray O. Batten championed throughout his life. MAASE is proud to honor Candice Osika with the 2026 Murray O. Batten Humanitarian Award!